NYSC DG Urges Corps Members to Embrace Skills Acquisition as ‘Plan B’ for Financial Independence

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has encouraged corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, describing it as a vital “Plan B” for achieving self-reliance after the service year.

Speaking to 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members during an address at the Kaduna Orientation Camp on Friday, Nafiu emphasized that the SAED programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset required to build sustainable careers, even when formal employment opportunities are unavailable.

SAED: A Lifeline for Graduate Self-Employment

According to the NYSC DG, the SAED initiative helps corps members develop practical skills across various sectors — including agriculture, fashion, ICT, manufacturing, and business management — positioning them to create job opportunities rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.

He explained that the reality of today’s job market makes it essential for graduates to think beyond waiting for promises from relatives or government offices, urging them to take charge of their economic future through entrepreneurship.

“The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme is your backup plan for life after service,” Nafiu said. “It is aimed at making Nigerian graduates business-minded, capable of creating wealth, and contributing to national productivity.”

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NYSC as a Platform for Growth and National Unity

Nafiu stressed that the NYSC scheme goes beyond serving the nation for one year — it is a launchpad for personal growth, innovation, and national integration. He reminded corps members that the government’s continuous investment in youth development reflects confidence in their role as key drivers of national transformation.

He advised the corps members not to view the service year as a period of leisure but as a golden opportunity to gain new skills, build valuable networks, and prepare for future opportunities in business and leadership.

N2 Billion Loan Initiative for Young Entrepreneurs

Highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, the NYSC DG disclosed that a ₦2 billion loan fund has been launched in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to support corps members with viable business ideas.

Under the initiative, each qualified corps member can access up to ₦5 million at a single-digit interest rate of 9%, with a three-year repayment period and a three-month grace period before repayment begins.

This initiative, Nafiu said, was introduced to help NYSC members turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, reduce unemployment, and stimulate local economic growth.

“Every corps member has the potential to become a job creator. The government has provided the financial framework — it’s now up to you to use it wisely,” he added.

Promoting Financial Discipline Among Corps Members

Brigadier-General Nafiu also advised corps members to practice financial discipline by saving a portion of their monthly stipends. According to him, saving consistently during the service year could provide the capital base needed to start small businesses or invest in future ventures.

“You must cultivate the habit of saving. Financial discipline is the foundation of wealth creation,” he noted.

A Call to Responsibility and Civic Duty

He reminded the young graduates that NYSC is not merely a requirement for employment or further studies but a civic responsibility that contributes to nation-building. He encouraged them to go beyond routine participation and find ways to make meaningful contributions to their host communities.

The Director-General also expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and host communities for their hospitality and continuous support toward the welfare and security of corps members.

Recalling his earlier posting as a camp commandant in Kaduna, Nafiu described the state as one of the most welcoming and secure environments for NYSC participants, assuring corps members of continued cooperation from local authorities.

Building a Future of Self-Reliant Nigerian Youths

With unemployment still a challenge across Nigeria, Nafiu reiterated that the NYSC remains a vital channel for empowering graduates to become self-reliant entrepreneurs, thereby reducing the burden on the job market and strengthening the nation’s economy.

He urged corps members to make full use of the training, networking opportunities, and access to credit facilities provided during their service year.

“Nigeria’s future depends on how well its youth prepare for it. The service year is your chance to build something lasting — not just for yourself, but for your community and for the country,” he concluded.